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Ancient Scotland: Before the Druids |
In this class, we explore the lands and the spirituality of what has been called “the Egypt of the North.” The Orkney Islands in Scotland contain more Neolithic structures than anywhere else in Europe. In Orkney, villages, stone circles, cairns and tombs have been preserved outside of time. Although the Orkney Islands were a major hub of activity in Neolithic times, climate changes created a shift in population centers during the Bronze Age and later. Because of this shift, the Neolithic landscape has not been overrun with modern structures at the same level of density as other ancient sacred sites in more southern climates.
We explore intact Neolithic villages, stone circles, cairns and tombs on three different islands. We will visit Hoy, where the northernmost woodland in Britain is found. We will visit Rousay, which contains “the most important archeological mile in Britain”, and we will spend several days at what has been called, “the Heartland of Neolithic Orkney.” The focus in these visits is to try to understand the relationship these ancient peoples had to the world beyond death and the world before birth. Through the vehicle of the shamanic journey, we will enter the spaces where these people conducted rituals. We will try to understand their concepts of the spirit world and the relationship of the spirit world to the world of the living.
In examining the oral history of the Druids and the shamanic cultures of the Hyperboreal lands, traces of practices that took place in these centers can be found. The Druidic tradition of Britain was considered to be the repository of spiritual knowledge for the Celtic peoples who inhabited Europe and the British Isles for thousands of years after the disappearance of these Neolithic cultures. In returning to Orkney, one of the places where the knowledge the Druids carried forward originated, we are returning to the heart of the development their mystery teachings.
There is also a strong historic connection with Scandanavia in Orkney. By examining the oral traditions of the Saami people, the ancient people of Scandanavia, we find extensive information about the nature of the relationship between the world of the dead and the living. The shamanic tradition of the Saamis also carried forward some of the knowledge and the rituals these Neolithic people practiced. Again, by returning to the Orkney, the source of many ritual and ceremonial sites we can explore the roots of the ancient wisdom held in the Saami traditions.
Both the Druidic spiritual traditions and the Saami shamanic traditions came under intense pressure as Christianity spread throughout Europe in the first and second millenniums after the birth of Christ. Many of their practices were outlawed by the Christian church, and as a result much of the ancient wisdom – especially understandings regarding death and reincarnation - was lost. In some cases, the Druidic and shamanic traditions were almost completely destroyed.
Again, through the vehicle of the shamanic journey, we pick up the thread of remnants of knowledge held in the Druidic and Saami oral traditions and trace them back at the sites where the roots of these traditions were developed. We also pick up remnants of knowledge held in the monuments themselves – the placement of the tombs, the orientation of the stone circles, the play of sound and light through ancient structures of stone – and let the world of life and death of these ancient peoples open to us.
This is a highly experiential class. It promises deepen your knowledge of the transformative processes held in the cylces of life and death. Many people have experienced a profound shift in their outlook regarding death and its relationship to life through their personal journey through the material in this class.
This class will also give you tools that will help you approach the remnants of any ancient tradition and allow its mysteries to open to you. Much emphasis is placed on learning how to discern truth from superstition and cultural projection from actual practice. Support in exploring mysteries is provided without resort to proselytization or required definitions.
Practicalities:
You will be met at the airport in Kirkwall, the main town on the main island of Orkney. The price of the class includes shared lodging, most meals, and all ground and sea transportation and tuition. We will be staying at a hotel in Kirkwall, and taking most of our meals there. If you would like private accommodation, there is supplemental fee.
The weather in Orkney can be very unpredictable even in August, “the finest time of the year.” Some of the classes will take place outside even if it is a bit inclement (don’t worry, we will take refuge inside in case of a gale), so pay close attention to the list you receive as to what to bring to stay warm and cozy. There is some walking involved, but no long treks.
There will be some free time to explore the town of Kirkwall, which has a long history that post dates the timeframe we will be focusing on, but is ancient by most standards.
Details
- The Orkney Islands, Scotland
- Dates: TBA
- Lead Instructor: Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.
- Tuition: TBA
- Participants arrange their own air travel.
- Space is limited. Please reserve early.
To register for this class, please visit our Registration page.
Prerequisite: Introduction to the Shamanic Journey or equivalent. Please visit our Complete Calendar for details, or contact us at
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